What can you, above all the other applicants, bring to this job?

What can you, above all the other applicants, bring to this job?

Alternative and related questions

What makes you the best candidate for this job?

The meaning behind the question

The interviewer is directly asking you what your ‘unique selling point’ is. They’re looking for at least one significant reason that you should be their No. 1 choice for the job.

Your answer

Well, what does make you the best candidate for this job?

I’ll level with you – this isn’t necessarily a top 10 question in terms of how likely you are to get asked it. However, it is very much a top 10 question in terms of the importance of your having prepared an answer to it. You need to go into each and every interview with a thorough understanding of what it is that you have to offer. If you don’t know what it is that you’re offering then how can you hope to be able to sell it effectively?

If you do get asked this specific question then don’t be afraid to answer it quite candidly. It’s a bold question and warrants a bold answer. The interviewer is really putting you on the spot to sell yourself. But do be very careful to avoid coming across as arrogant – because that’s the last thing you want to do. It’s a fine line you need to tread.

Feel free to cite an example from your past where you demonstrated that you are someone who is capable of going the extra mile. It’s all very well to say that you’re someone who gives 110 per cent (although it is a bit of a cliché) but if you can actually throw an example at your interviewer then you’re going to be a whole lot more credible.

BLOOPER!

One ex-army candidate for a management role replied, ‘I can shoot someone at 300 yards.’ What is more amazing is that they actually got the job! This is a rare example of a sense of humour working to the candidate’s advantage.

EXAMPLE

Having now been working in this industry for over a decade, I have developed successful relationships with key decision makers in numerous companies, enabling me to achieve a sales conversion rate much higher than average. This is undoubtedly a very challenging role, requiring considerable drive and determination, but I believe my previous sales record is clear evidence that I am more than capable of achieving what it is that you need.